Transportable and multi configurable, modular power platforms

ABSTRACT

Platforms for one or more solar panels and systems and methods for securing support platforms include a frame and a plurality of support legs. One or more earth anchors are provided that are driven into the ground such that an exposed end of the anchor extends from the ground. Optionally, the anchor may be pull tested and measured in real time soil conditions whereupon the exposed end is coupled to one of the support legs or other structure of the frame to secure the support platform relative to the ground. Alternatively, a weighted ballast system may be used to secure the platform. Optionally, a reflective membrane may be attached to one or both of the frame and the support legs such that the membrane is supported below the rack for reflecting sunlight to an underside of the one or more solar panels mounted to the rack.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

The present application claim benefit of co-pending U.S. provisionalapplication Ser. No. 63/253,077, filed Oct. 6, 2021, the entiredisclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This present application relates to renewable energy systems using asurface mounted application, and more particularly, to transportable,customizable, multi-configurable, and/or surface mounted modular solarpower platforms for on and off grid solar installation. Thetransportable, modular solar power platforms herein may be customizable,turnkey, portable, transportable, multi-configurable, and/or modularsurface mounted solar power platforms (modular units) that may beinstalled temporarily or permanently on different types of earth surfaceconditions, ground, soil, and paved conditions, and other terrestrialterrain to achieve a desired power wattage depending on a desired power(kWh) output.

BACKGROUND

It is well known that alternative renewable energy resources are provento be an important element in an overall energy plan for the off taker.Cost savings initiatives and a renewable and sustainable clean energysolution to lower the cost of energy (LCOE), is a critical factor as thecost of carbon based fuels and other fossil fuels are costly to use andcontinue to increase cost over time and these fossil fuels harm theenvironment and impact climate change. Grid parity has been achieved inlarge utility scale solar power plant installation, but not indistributed generation renewable energy applications. Solar (PV) energy,and energy storage systems (ESS) help recipients of this clean,renewable energy to load shift away from high rate tariffs and demandcharges or be totally independent of the electrical grid. In order toproduce sufficient usable and reusable clean energy from the sun, it isnecessary to place one or more solar arrays in areas where they cancapture the most solar radiation.

Conventional foundations and support structures required to install suchsolar arrays generally involve pre-development and engineering,geotechnical reports, environmental impact studies, site planning,grading, mobilization of heavy equipment, concrete, substantialprocurement time and cost, installation time and cost, particularly forI beam steel piles, ballasted concrete blocks, pour in place cementpiers or helical ground screw foundations used for surface mounted solararrays, and involve substantial earth and project site disruption whichimpact the local environmental. Therefore, improved solar powerplatforms, support structures and foundations for solar arrays andmethods for installing and/or using them would be useful, moreeconomical and efficient and most beneficial to the environment.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to alternative renewable energysystems using surface mounted applications, and more particularly, totransportable, customizable, multi-configurable, and/or surface mountedmodular solar power platforms for grid connected and off grid solarinstallations. The transportable, modular solar power platforms hereinmay be customizable, turnkey, portable, transportable,multi-configurable, and/or modular surface mounted solar power platforms(modular units) that may be installed temporarily or permanently ondifferent types of earth surface conditions, ground, soil, and pavedconditions, and other terrestrial terrain to achieve a desired powerwattage depending on a desired power (kWh) output.

A transportable, multi-configurable, modular solar power platform(modular units), according to the platform's systems and methods herein,may solve one or more problems associated with conventional ortraditional surface mounted solar arrays, such as:

-   -   Create methods and renewable energy system solutions in the        solar industry downstream value chain for distributed generation        and utility scale solar power markets to achieve a LCOE;    -   Develop economical and efficient surface mounted racking        systems, simplify engineering, stream line pre-development,        planning, permitting and inspection processes, while using lower        cost of labor and modular installation methodologies and        solutions that save time and money for surface mounted solar        arrays, which may be useful to drive down a LCOE;    -   Provide expedited assembly and rapid deployment capability of        surface mounted solar arrays for system installers and project        developers using a less skilled and local workforce to benefit        the local economy, which may be useful to achieve a LCOE;    -   Create a greater power (watts) density per surface footprint of        a surface mounted solar array using fixed tilt, adjustable tilt,        single axis or multiple axis tracker systems to achieve a LCOE;    -   Create minimal site disruption, minimal local environmental        impact, and/or create sustainable and efficient construction        methods and systematic processes for surface mounted solar        arrays to achieve LCOE;    -   Increase energy power production (kWh) by 20% or more compared        to conventional fixed tilt surface mounted solar arrays, when        configured as a transportable, modular solar power platform        hosting single axis tracker components with solar modules or        multiple axis solar tracker components with solar modules.

Transportable, modular solar power platforms (modular units) inaccordance with the systems and methods herein do not require the use ofconcrete piers, ballasted concrete blocks, typical pile driven steelfoundations or even ground screws that other surface mount rackingsystems generally require. There is no welding or cutting steel neededon an installation site. The use of heavy industrial onsite equipment,machinery, and large trucks is not required. Only the use of simple, lowcost, portable hand-held power tools and a small portable powergenerator are needed.

A transportable, modular solar power platform (modular units), accordingto the systems and methods herein, may reduce the need forpre-development, geotechnical reports or environmental impact studies,unnecessary procurement time and cost, and installation time and cost,particularly compared to conventional surface mounted solar arrays, andmay decrease earth and project site disruption and soil erosion. Atransportable, modular solar power platform (modular units) may reduceproject site logistical costs and transportation of concrete and the useof fossil fuels for heavy industrial onsite equipment and machinery andit helps to lower the overall cost of clean, renewable energy.

Conventional surface mounted solar arrays require a geo-technical reportduring the pre-development phase or even costly environmental impactstudies, which may stall installation and increase costs and/or requiresite specific engineering and design all prior to a conventional surfacemount racking system is ready for permitting. Typical ballasted surfacemounted solar racking systems and pour in place cement piers rely onadded concrete weight to secure the support structure and resist winduplift, which requires heavy off-site trucks to deploy the cement, oruses pre-cast ballasted concrete blocks driven to project site. Thisinstallation process using cement also requires an additional specialinspection.

A conventional or traditional pile driven foundation surface mountsystem or a system using helical ground screws requires the use ofcostly on-site industrial machines to deploy the steel foundations orscrews with technical skilled certified labor driving these foundationsup to fourteen feet (4.3 m) or greater into the ground to support thesolar array above the surface of the ground.

In accordance with the systems and methods herein, a transportable,modular solar power platform (modular units) may use one or more small,inexpensive and easy to install toggle anchors attached to a rod and/orcable (as an earth anchoring foundation) to secure the transportablemodular solar power platform beneath the surface in which it rests. Noheavy pile driving equipment is used—only hand held tools forinstallation. Instead, toggle anchors with rod and/or cable attach tobase plates (shoe plates) when installed to proper depth through accessholes in the baseplate of the power platforms and become thefoundational support mechanism to secure transportable, modular solarpower platforms (modular units) to any earth surface, ground, soilcondition or terrestrial terrain.

A transportable, modular solar power platform (modular unit) accordingto the systems and methods herein uses this toggle anchor with rodand/or cable application as an earth-anchoring foundation, which enablesless skilled local labor (at a lower cost of labor) to install acompletely turnkey modular power platform unit using only handheld powertools and a portable percussion hammer and small power generator. Theuse of an inexpensive and easy to install toggle anchor with rod and/orcable as an anchoring foundation, eliminates the need forpre-development geotechnical reports, environmental impact studies, andmultiple traditional permit inspection requirements on site duringconstruction by facilitating a real-time soil condition field verticaland lateral load lift (tension) test, e.g., including wind and seismicload requirements, conducted during the real time installation of thepower platforms (modular units) to pass geotechnical and structuralengineering specifications and local permitting and to measure the loadtension results of the toggle anchor with rod and/or cable to assurecompliance requirements are achieved with applicable local buildingcodes and regulations.

Using the toggle anchor with rod and/or cable application as thefoundation, an installer may perform a credible and permittable verticaland lateral load lift (tension) test in real time soil conditionsmeasuring the tension capacity of the toggle anchor with rod and/orcable, e.g., to exceed 1.5 times the worst case design load capacityand/or as otherwise required by the authority holding jurisdiction (AHJ)for the project site, while the modular solar power platform unit isbeing installed. This load lift (tension) test may be conducted by theinstaller in real time using a Load Tension Device (LTD) including acome along hoist, a manual or automated winch or crank to add tension tothe toggle anchor with rod and or cable during testing, and a device,e.g., a LED gauge, to measure the results in the field by the installer.The LED gauge may also upload the load test data results in real time tothe cloud, e.g., via a WAN/LAN application or (SaaS), and/or otherwisecommunicated via a wireless and/or other communications network. The LTDmay include a GPS device, which may be used to verify each load lift(tension) test performed on the toggle anchor with rod and/or cabletested.

Optionally, the LTD may include a controller with associated softwareand/or hardware that may provide one or more of the following features.For example, pre-determined optimal tension or load parameters may beprogrammed into the device, e.g., such that the cable and/or rod of thetoggle anchor is pulled to the predetermined tension via the device topass required load requirement. Once the desired load is achieved, thedevice may record the achieved load, relieve the tension and/orassociated load achieved with operator identification. Optionally,additional information may recorded with the achieved load and/or othertest data, e.g., a time stamp identifying the time and/or date of thetest, GPS coordinates of the anchor associated with each test, operatoridentification, and the like, all of which may be downloaded to aportable electronic device at the installation site and/or uploaded to aremote data repository for access and review, e.g., at an officeelectronic device at the installation site or to one or more off-siteelectronic devices.

In one embodiment, a graphical user interface may be provided on theelectronic device where the data is stored and/or received that mayfacilitate confirming that all of the installed toggle anchors with rodsand/or cables have been properly tested. For example. the electronicdevice may include a display on which a visual array may be displayedthat includes anchor points visually represented in software allowing areviewer to see all of the stored data associated to the anchors. Cellsof the array may also be conditionally formatted so that any discrepancybetween load achieved and desired engineering loads are readilyidentified and may be corrected in the field. For example, all anchorsthat have been load tested and passed may be presented in a first color,e.g., green, while, anchors that have not yet been tested and/or thathave failed may be presented in a different color, e.g., gray foruntested anchors, red for anchors that failed the load test, and thelike. Thus, a quick visual inspection of the array on the display mayallow a reviewer to determine the status of the installation and/orimmediately identify any problems. Additional data and information suchas labor productivity may also be developed. This load lift (tension)test data may then be easily accessible and verifiable by the structuralengineer of record (EOR) without the need for an onsite field review andto review and verify the load test results. After verification, the EORcan download the load test data to the AHJ.

The Load Test Device may be integrated or otherwise mounted to one ormore support or extension legs of the modular unit, e.g., such that,when activated, the Load Test Device may automatically apply a presettension to the toggle anchor with rod and/or cable. The resultingreal-time soil condition load test data may then be communicated to givethe EOR, permit jurisdictions, AHJs, municipals, customers, energy offtakers, investors, and/or the installer complete confidence underapplicable code requirements that the transportable, multi-configurable,modular solar power platform (modular unit) is secured to the groundwith a stabilized foundation beneath the surface, e.g., to ensure thatthe resulting foundation exceeds the AHJs worst case load requirementsby 1.5 times the design load required.

This real-time soil condition load testing removes other variables anduncertainties that other conventional surface mounted racking systemsleave unanswered because the load test results are actually conducted inreal time and not calculated results from a geotechnical reportconducted months in advance. Testing in real time soil conditions is thepreferred method of load testing verse calculated data for AHJs. Loadtesting in real time soil conditions also improves reliability of siteconditions, avoids unforeseen obstacles underneath surface, speeds timeto permitting, time to install, final inspection, verification of loadtest results and project cost savings.

Gaining power density on installation sites with challenging uneventerrain, unforeseen obstacles underneath surface, awkward boundaries orminimal space available for the conventional surface mount solar arrayare real problems for an installer and can cause financial trouble orcostly project delays, which could be avoided using a modular solarpower platform (modular units) with toggle anchor with rod and/or cableas the foundation. Transportable, multi-configurable, modular solarpower platforms can host fix tilt and adjustable tilt configurations,including single axis tracker components with solar modules or multipleaxis tracker components working concurrently and holding a plurality ofsolar modules. Axis sun trackers are proven to improve power productionby as much as 20% over conventional fixed tilt surface mounted solararrays.

A transportable, multi-configurable modular solar power platform mayeasily be deployed or unassembled, then re-deployed elsewhere withoutusing heavy equipment or on site industrial machines. For example, amining operation, needing to lift and shift a capital asset to a newlocation, can now remove the renewable energy capital asset to anotherlocation. The transportable modular solar power platform with toggleanchor rod and/or cable may provide a turnkey lift and shift applicationnot achievable using conventional surface mounted solar arrays withsteel I beam or screw foundations because these conventional surfacemounted solar arrays leave behind vast amounts of material in the groundand or will require much logistical effort at a cost to removecompletely.

The costs and time for removing a conventional solar array is typicallyabout the same as the cost of installing it, while leaving behindmaterial foreign to the project site that may erode or corrode the siteover time, causing a negative environmental impact that may last foryears. The impact of any material left behind in subterranean conditionsmay be tremendously harmful to the local environment. This requiresinstallers to spend time and effort and increases the cost of the solararray installation and removal after the life of the conventional solararray system.

A transportable, modular solar power platform may include multipleindependently power adjustable, telescoping extension legs and shoeplates (e.g., twelve to eighteen inches (30-45 cm) in diameter) that areused to support the weight of the modular units while generating energy.These extension legs may be raised or lowered using a handheld impacttool or a motor that turns a mechanical crank or other actuatormechanism inside the extension leg frame. This helps the ease and speedof assembling the modular unit. Independently power adjusted extensionlegs may reduce site preparation and grading requirements and, whencombined with a Load Test Device, may assist in the installation andload test of the toggle anchor, with rod and/or cable.

The size of base plates (shoe plates) may vary depending on the weightof modular units and/or the soil conditions below the shoe plate. Theseshoe plates may distribute the modular unit's weight equally (e.g.,about two hundred pounds (91 kg) per leg) to avoid any disruption to thesoil conditions beneath the modular unit.

At any time, the toggle anchor with rod and/or cable components may beclipped and the entire modular unit may be reloaded onto a transportflatbed truck or trailer and relocated to a new installation site. Onlythe toggle anchor with rod and/or cable would remain subterranean.Optionally, the toggle anchor with rod and/or cable may also be pulledout of the ground entirely by surpassing its vertical and lateral loadcapacity thus removing all the anchor foundation components and leavingnothing behind on the installation site. Consequently, the environmentalimpact of a modular solar power platform when compared to presentconventional solar array systems and methods may be minimal and/orinconsequential.

Hosting or supporting the weight of renewable energy components such asa string inverter or energy storage batteries are not achievable usingconventional surface mounted solar arrays with pile driven foundationsbecause there is no support structure frame for the components to bemounted to. Instead, installers need to pour an independent concrete pad(separate from the conventional surface mounted solar array) to supportthese components. However, the transportable, multi-configurable andmodular solar power platforms of the systems herein may include a steelframe uniquely and structurally engineered to support, mount, or ballastthe weight of solar inverters, energy storage systems, and/or componentsand other material/components as needed.

In accordance with one embodiment, a system is provided that includesone or more transportable, customizable and/or multi-configurablemodular solar power platforms, each having a support frame, multipleindependently, power adjustable telescoping extension support legs andshoe plates, multiple toggle anchor with rod and/or cable foundationcomponents and a support frame to hold a plurality of solar modules,solar inverters, and energy storage systems and components either infixed tilt or an adjustable position or using single axis trackercomponents with solar modules and or multi axis solar trackertechnology, with solar modules either hingedly connected or clamped tothe support frame. A plurality of solar modules may be mounted on thesupport frame to produce a single modular solar power platform (modularunit), wherein a selected tilt angle is either pre-chosen or adjusted onsite to increase the efficiency of the solar modules. Extension supportlegs, arms and back stays are used to keep each solar module frame atthe selected angle or used to support the frame hosting the single ormulti axis tracking system components, string solar inverters and energystorage components.

Optionally, the telescoping extension support legs may be independentlypower adjustable, e.g., using a mechanical actuator encased in orotherwise carried by the support legs, e.g., to raise and lower eachmodular unit for variable surface conditions or to raise or lower thetilt angle of the solar modules to maximize the sun's radiation. Toggleanchor with rod and/or cable components are used as the modular unit'sanchoring foundation. One or more transportable modular solar powerplatforms may be vertically stacked (placed plum together) such that aplurality of modular units may then be transported to a selectedinstallation site or one or more transportable modular solar powerplatform units may be placed over a trailer or flatbed truck with orwithout solar modules attached to support frame and transported from onelocation to another.

Once at the site, the modular solar power platform units are lifted froma transport vehicle and placed at their desired location or the modularunit extension support legs are lowered to surface and the independentlypower adjusted legs are raised to position. The truck or trailer maythen be easily removed from under the modular unit. The extensionsupport legs may then be adjusted individually for each modular solarpower platform unit, e.g., if the surface is not level. Multiple toggleanchors with rods and/or cables are installed and load lift (tension)testing is performed concurrent in real time soil conditions with themodular units being installed. Multiple toggle anchors with rods and/orcables are measured using a simple portable Load Test Device, which maybe mounted successively to each extension support leg (or alternativelyincorporated into each extension support leg as one component), toverify building code and local AHJ vertical and lateral loadrequirements and the engineer of record (EOR) structural calculationrequirements in a real-time soil condition test. Rapid deployment andload testing may thus be achieved using the systems and methods herein.The modular solar power platforms may then be interconnected to the gridto achieve the power output (kWh) required for any given installationsite.

Alternatively, the transportable, modular solar power platform units maybe shipped to an installation site with prefabricated components readyfor assembly and final set up. Installation is achieved by connectingall the modular unit support frame components together using onlyhand-held power impact tools using simple fasteners, e.g., rivets, nuts,or bolts, and the like, to secure components together or using aportable handheld clinching tool that is used to clinch the steelcomponents together and remove the need for any fasteners. For example,clinching may add rigidity, durability and bonded strength to atransportable, multi-configurable, modular solar power platform.

The transportable, multi-configurable modular solar power platforminstallation including a plurality of solar panels and load testingprocess may be achieved in less than one hour per modular unit using athree or four-person installation crew. Thus, relatively rapiddeployment may be achieved with tremendous cost savings and limited tono impact on the local environment using the systems and methods herein.

In accordance with another embodiment, a system is provided for mountinga modular support platform for one or more solar panels relative toground at an installation site that includes an extension support legcomprising one end mounted to a frame of the modular support platformand a second end; a shoe plate attached to the second end of theextension support leg comprising an opening therethrough; and an anchorcomprising: a) an anchor portion comprising a penetrating end and asocket end opposite the penetrating end; b) a toggle portion pivotallycoupled to the anchor portion between the penetrating end and the socketend, the anchor portion movable between a delivery orientation whereinthe socket portion is disposed adjacent the anchor portion and adeployed orientation wherein the toggle portion is oriented transverselyrelative to the anchor portion; and c) an elongate member, e.g., a rodand/or cable, coupled to the toggle portion having a length sufficientsuch that an exposed end of the elongate member extends from the groundwhen the anchor is directed into the ground to direct the anchor portionfrom the delivery orientation to the deployed orientation, the exposedend receivable through the opening in the shoe plate. The system mayalso include a rigid driving member including a first end receivable inthe socket end and a second driving end for directing the anchor intothe ground in the delivery orientation; and a locking mechanism forsecuring the exposed end of the elongate member relative to the shoeplate and apply a desired tensile force between the exposed end and theanchor portion directed into the ground.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method is provided for securinga modular solar panel platform including a support frame and a pluralityof extension legs including shoe plates at an installation site thatincludes providing an anchor comprising an anchor portion and a toggleportion pivotally coupled to the anchor portion, and an elongate member,e.g., a rod and/or cable, coupled to the toggle portion; directing theanchor into the ground at the installation site such that an exposed endof the elongate member extends from the ground; pulling the exposed endto deploy the anchor portion; coupling the exposed end to a shoe plateof a support leg to secure the support frame relative to the ground atthe installation site; and applying a desired tensile force between theexposed end and the anchor to test the installation under real time soilconditions.

Other aspects and features of the present inventions will becomeapparent from the following description of the invention taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a transportablemodular solar platform;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the transportable modular solar platform ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the transportable modular solar platformof FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the transportable modular solar platform ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of an independently poweradjustable extension leg and shoe plate that may be provided as acomponent to a transportable modular solar power platform, such as thatshown in FIGS. 1-4 ;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the modular solar power platform of FIGS. 1-4placed on variable elevation terrain;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a toggleanchor, with rod and/or cable that may be used as a foundation to anchora modular solar power platform to any surface condition or terrestrialterrain;

FIGS. 8A-8D show an exemplary method for delivering and deploying atoggle anchor with rod and/or cable within the ground for securing amodular solar power platform to the ground;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a transportable modular solar platformshowing an exemplary configuration of toggle anchors with rod and/orcable attached to the platform for securing the platform to the groundat a site;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a transportable modular solar platformshowing another exemplary configuration of toggle anchors with rodand/or cable attached to the modular unit;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of atransportable, multi-configurable, modular solar platform with solarpanels mounted on the platform, and toggle anchors with rods and/orcables attached to shoe plates of the modular units to secure themodular units to the ground at a site;

FIG. 10A is a detail showing a method for securing an extension leg of amodular unit to a toggle anchor with rod and/or cable deployed withinthe ground below the extension leg.

FIG. 10B is a detail showing a motorized load tension device that may beprovided on each extension support leg to perform a load lift (tension)test for each anchor with rod and/or cable in real time soil conditions.

FIGS. 11A-11E are various views of an exemplary embodiment of singleaxis tracker components with east and west facing functionality hostedby a transportable, multi-configurable, modular solar platform inaccordance with the systems and methods herein;

FIG. 11F is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of multiple axistracker components with east and west facing functionality and hosted bya transportable, multi-configurable, modular solar platform inaccordance with the systems and methods herein;

FIGS. 12A-12D are front views of a transportable modular solar platformwith a plurality of solar modules stacked flat and extension legsswiveled into position ready for shipment to an installation site;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of atransportable modular solar platform with a plurality of solar modulesstacked flat and extension legs swiveled into position;

FIGS. 13B-13D are perspective, rear, and top views, respectively,showing a plurality of vertically stacked modular solar platform unitswith a plurality of solar modules loaded onto a transport vehicle readyfor shipment to an installation site; and

FIGS. 14-15J show an exemplary method for assembling and/or installing amodular solar power platform (modular unit).

FIGS. 16A and 16B are perspective and side views, respectively, ofanother exemplary embodiment of a transportable, multi-configurablemodular solar power platform with fixed solar panels mounted to theplatform.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show an example of a support platform supporting aplurality of solar panels and including a reflective membrane.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a frame for a solar panel platform systemthat includes a plurality of weights on each support leg to provide aballasted support to stabilize the frame.

FIGS. 19A and 19B show an example of a support platform supporting aplurality of solar panels and including a seasonal tilt mechanism.

FIG. 19C is a detail of the support platform of FIGS. 19A and 19Bshowing a plurality of scissor jacks linked together to provide the tiltmechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning to the drawings, FIGS. 1-4 show an exemplary embodiment of amodular, multi-configurable solar power platform unit 10 that includes aframe 12 supported by a plurality of legs 20 and a rack 14 for mountingone or more solar panels 50 (not shown, see, e.g., FIG. 10 ). Asdescribed elsewhere herein, one or more toggle anchors with rod and/orcable (not shown) may be attached to the frame 12 and/or legs 20 tosecure the modular unit 10, and consequently the solar panels 50 mountedto the support frame 14, relative to the ground at an installation site,e.g., to provide an earth-anchoring foundation that may be used tosubstantially permanently or removably install the solar panels at adesired location.

Generally, the frame 12 includes front and rear chasses or struts 12 a,12 b coupled together by mid chasses or struts 12 c to provide asubstantially rigid structure generally defining a plane. Similarly, therack 14 includes a plurality of elongate rails 14 a coupled by aplurality of elongate supports 14 b to which the one or more solarpanels may be mounted. The rack 14 may be fixedly mounted to the supportframe 14, e.g., at a predefined inclined angle, or may be adjustable,e.g., manually or using a motorized actuator, to change the inclinedangle of the rack 14, as described elsewhere herein.

For example, as shown, lower ends 14 b-1 of the supports 14 b may bemounted directly to the front strut 12 a of the frame 12, e.g., at fixedor pivotable connection points, while upper ends 14 b-2 of the supports14 b may be coupled to one or more back braces 16 that secure the upperends 14 b-2 spaced above the rear strut 12 b. In one embodiment, thebraces 16 may be substantially permanently fixed relative to the frame12 and rack 14. Alternatively, the braces 16 may be adjustable, e.g., tovary a length of the braces 16 and consequently the tilt angle of therack 14 relative to the frame 12. For example, each brace 16 may includetelescoping tubes, G-rails, or other elongate members that may beslidable or otherwise movable relative to one another to adjust theirlength. Such members may be adjustable manually and then secured at adesired length or may be coupled to a motor or other actuator (notshown), e.g., such that the length may be adjusted remotely and/orautomatically, e.g., as part of a tracking system, as describedelsewhere herein.

Alternatively, the braces 16 may be removable and a kit including aplurality of braces having different lengths may be provided, e.g., suchthat one set of braces 16 may be selected and mounted between the rack14 and frame 12 to set the tilt angle as desired for a particularinstallation. If the rack 14 is adjustable, the lower ends 14 b-2 of thesupports 14 b may be pivotally coupled to the frame 12, e.g., using oneor more hinges and the like (not shown).

It will be appreciated that the components of the platform 10 may beformed using conventional materials and methods, e.g., formed from metalsuch as steel or aluminum, plastics, or composites, having desiredcross-sections or configurations. For example, the struts 12 a, 12 b,rails 14 a, and supports 14 b may be elongate “C” channel members,tubular beams, I-beams, and the like, formed by roll forming, breaking,extrusion, casting, and the like. The components may be attachedtogether using one or more conventional methods, for example, using oneor more fasteners, e.g., screws, rivets, bolts, and the like, and/ordirectly by clinching, welding, bonding with adhesive, and the like.

The legs 20 may be attached to the front and rear struts 12 a, 12 b suchthat the legs 20 extend downwardly or otherwise orthogonal to the planeof the frame 12. In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , each leg20 generally includes an upper end 20 a including a mounting bracket 22for securing the upper end 20 a to the frame 12, and a lower end 20 bincluding a plate or shoe 24, e.g., attached to the leg 20 to define arelatively large area lower contact surface that extends substantiallytransversely, e.g., horizontally, for placement against a mountingsurface, e.g., the ground at an installation site. For example, the areaof the contact surface of the shoe 24 may be set based on the weight ofmodular units, soil conditions below the shoe plate, and/or otherparameters, e.g., to ensure that the shoe plates sufficiently distributethe modular unit's weight equally to avoid any disruption to the soilconditions beneath the modular unit.

Optionally, the leg 20 may be adjustable, e.g., to change the distancebetween the mounting bracket 22 and the shoe 24. For example, as shownin FIG. 5 , the leg 20 may include an outer member 26 a and an innermember 26 b, e.g., tubular members, C-rails, and the like, thattelescope or otherwise slide relative to one another, e.g., with theinner member 26 b sliding at least partially into the outer member 26 b.The leg 20 may include one or more connectors, e.g., a pin 26 c andcorresponding set of holes (not shown) for receiving the pin 26 c, forfixing the leg 20 at a desired length. Alternatively, a mechanicalsystem may be provided, e.g., including a rack and pinion, motorizedtrack, and/or other mechanism (not shown), that may be actuated toadjust the length. In the embodiment shown, the shoe 24 includes a postthat may be received in or otherwise attached to the lower end 20 b andmay include one or more mating fasteners, e.g., pin 24 a, for removablyattaching the shoe 24 to the lower end 20 b. Alternatively, the shoe 24may be substantially permanently attached to the lower end 20 b, e.g.,by one or more fasteners, e.g., screws, rivets, bolts, and the like,clinching, welding, bonding with adhesive, and the like.

In another alternative, the upper end 20 a of the leg 20 may besubstantially permanently attached to the frame 12, e.g., attached tothe struts 12 a, 12 b by one or more fasteners, e.g., screws, rivets,bolts, and the like, welding, bonding, and the like. In addition oralternatively, the legs 20 may be pivotally attached to the frame 12,e.g., such that the legs 20 may be rotated between a retracted orstorage position, e.g., extending substantially parallel to the struts12 a, 12 b, and an extended or installation position, e.g., extendingsubstantially perpendicular to the struts 12 a, 12 b.

For example, FIGS. 12A-12D show an example of a frame 112 including aplurality of legs 120 that are pivotable between a storage position(FIG. 12D) and an installation position (FIG. 12A). Generally, each leg120 includes an outer member 126 a that is pivotally coupled to a strut112 a at a joint 128, an inner member 126 a extendable from the outermember 126 a, and a shoe plate 124, as described further elsewhereherein. To store each leg 120 from the installation position shown inFIG. 12A, the shoe plate 124 may be removed (e.g., by removing a pin orother connector, not shown), and the inner member 126 b may be retractedat least partially into the outer member 126 a, as shown in FIG. 12B. Asshown in FIG. 12C, the outer member 126 a may then be rotated untilpositioned along the strut 112 a in the storage position, as shown inFIG. 12D. Optionally, the legs 120 and/or strut 112 a may include one ormore locking features for securing the legs 120 in the storage position.The legs 120 may be returned to the installation position simply byreversing the process.

Turning to FIG. 6 , an exemplary installation is shown in which theframe 12 is oriented substantially horizontally and the rack 14 andsolar panel(s) 90 are tilted at an acute tilt angle relative to theframe 12. As shown, the ground 92 is uneven and, consequently, the frontleg 20(1) has been retracted to a relatively shorter length and the rearleg 20(2) has been extended to a relatively longer length to ensure thatthe lower surfaces of the shoes 24 are positioned securely against thesurface of the ground 92 and the frame 12 is substantially horizontal.Optionally, the frame 12 may include a motorized self-leveling system(not shown) that may automatically adjust the lengths of the legs 20 toorient the frame 12 substantially horizontally.

During installation, the frame 12 and/or legs 20 may be secured relativeto the ground 92, using one or more anchor assemblies, e.g., including atoggle anchor 30 with rod and/or cable, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8A-8D.For example, turning to FIG. 7 , an exemplary embodiment of a toggleanchor 30 is shown that may be used in conjunction with one or moreelongate rods 40 and/or cables (not shown). Generally, the toggle anchor30 includes an anchor or foot portion 32 pivotally coupled to a boltportion 34 at an intermediate location between first and second ends 32a, 32 b of the foot portion 32. The first end 32 a of the foot portion32 may include a tapered, pointed, and/or other shaped tip to facilitateadvancement into the ground 92, and the second end 32 b includes asocket 33 for removably receiving a rod 40 a therein, e.g., as shown inFIG. 8A.

The bolt portion 34 also includes a socket 35 for receiving a rod,cable, or other elongate member 40 b therein, also as shown in FIG. 8A.In one embodiment, a cable 40 b is substantially permanently attached tothe bolt portion 34, e.g., by looping one end of the cable 40 b throughholes in the socket 35 and permanently attaching the end to an adjacentportion of the cable 40 b, e.g., by welding, crimping a sleeve over thecable 40 b, and the like. In another embodiment, an anchoring rod 40 bmay be substantially permanently received in the socket 33, e.g., by oneor more of welding, fusing, bonding with adhesive, interference fit, andthe like. In a further alternative, the sockets 33, 35 may be sized toslidably receive anchoring rods 40 therein. Alternatively, the sockets33, 35 and/or anchoring rods 40 may include threads or other features(not shown) for removably securing anchoring rods 40 in the sockets 33,35.

The bolt portion 34 may pivot relative to the foot portion 32 between adelivery or low profile orientation where the bolt socket 35 is disposedadjacent the foot socket 33, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, tofacilitate introduction of the toggle anchor 30, and a deployedorientation where the bolt portion extends transversely, e.g.,substantially perpendicular to a length of the foot portion 32, e.g., asshown in FIG. 8D. As best seen in FIG. 7 , the foot portion 32 mayinclude a recess 36 along one side that extends partially between thefirst and second ends 32 a, 32 b for receiving the bolt portion 34 inthe low profile orientation, e.g., to minimize a profile of the toggleanchor 30 during advancement into the ground.

During installation, a driving rod 40 a may be inserted, e.g., threaded,into the socket 33 and the bolt portion 34 is positioned in the lowprofile orientation shown in FIG. 8A with a cable 40 b attached to thesocket 35 extending substantially parallel to the rod 40 a.Alternatively, the cable 40 b may be replaced with a rigid anchoringrod, similar to the driving rod 40 a. The anchor 30 may then be directedinto the ground 92 at a desired location relative to the frame 12, e.g.,using handheld tools, e.g., a portable percussion hammer, to drive thedriving rod 40 a, and consequently, the toggle anchor 30 and cable 40 b(or anchoring rod), a desired depth into the ground 92 with a second endof the driving rod 40 a and cable 40 b remaining exposed outside theground 92. Once the target depth is reached, the driving rod 40 a isunthreaded and/or otherwise removed from the socket 33 in the footportion 32, as shown in FIG. 8B, and out of the ground 92. Then, asshown in FIG. 8C, the exposed second end of the cable 40 b (or anchoringrod) is pulled to cause the foot portion 32 to engage with thesurrounding soil and pivot to the deployed orientation, e.g.,substantially perpendicular to the cable 40 b (or anchoring rod), asshown in FIG. 8D. Once the anchor 30 is properly deployed, the exposedend of the cable 40 b (or anchoring rod) may extend out of the ground adesired distance. Optionally, any undesired length of the exposed end ofthe cable 40 b (or anchoring rod) protruding from the ground may be cutoff or otherwise removed.

The exposed end of the cable 40 b (or anchoring rod) may be attached tothe frame 12 in a desired manner to secure the frame relative to theground 92. Alternatively, if an anchoring rod is used instead of thecable 40 b, a cable may be attached to the exposed end of the anchoringrod and attached to the frame 12. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10-1C,the cable 40 b (or anchoring rod) may be inserted through the shoe 24and coupled to the leg 20. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9A, the frame12 may include a plurality of horizontal cables 18 extending between thestruts 12 a, 12 b in a diagonal arrangement such that pairs of cables 18intersect at locations 19. Toggle anchors 30 (shown schematically) maybe driven into the ground below the intersection locations 19 and cables38 may be attached to the exposed cable or anchoring rod (not shown) andthe locations 19. In another alternative, shown in FIG. 9B, toggleanchors 30 may be driven into the ground at locations below the struts12 a, 12 b of the frame 12, and cables 38 may be attached between theexposed anchoring rods (not shown) and the struts 12 a, 12 b.

Turning to FIG. 10 , the toggle anchors 30 may be driven into the groundat locations below one or more of the extension legs 20 and the exposedends of the cables 40 b (or anchoring rods) may be attached to the shoes24 and/or to the extension legs 20. For example, FIGS. 10A shows anexemplary installation method for securing the shoe 24, andconsequently, the extension leg 20, relative to a toggle anchor 30deployed below the leg 20. As best seen in FIG. 5 , the shoe 24 includesa horizontal shoe plate 25 including one or more holes, e.g., a hole 25a, adjacent the leg 20 through which the exposed end of the cable 40 maybe inserted after delivering the anchor 30. A fastener 42 may beadvanced over the exposed end 41 of the rod 40 and engaged with the shoe24 to apply a desired tension on the cable or rod 40. For example, thefastener 42 may include a ratchet or other one-way mechanism (not shown)that may allow the fastener 42 to be advanced downwardly over the cableor rod 40 while preventing upward removal. Alternatively, if a rod isused instead of a cable for the anchor member 40, the fastener 42 androd 40 may include cooperating threads (not shown) that allow thefastener 42 to be threaded over the exposed end 41 of the cable 40 untilthe fastener 42 engages the shoe 24.

Once the fastener 42 contacts the shoe plate 25, any further advancementand/or retraction of the cable or rod 40 applies a tensile force alongthe cable or rod 40 between the anchor 30 and the shoe plate 25. Thus,the fastener 42 maybe advanced (e.g., ratcheted or threaded) relative tothe cable or rod 40, as needed, to remove any slack and/or apply adesired tension pulling upwardly on the cable or rod 40.

Optionally, the second end of the cable or rod 40 may include a loop 43or other feature that may be engaged with the leg 20 to further attachthe cable 40. For example, the leg 20 may include one or more pinsextending outwardly (not shown) over which the loop 43 may be placedonce the fastener 42 is advanced to a desired distance.

Turning to FIG. 10B, before securing the cable or rod 40 to the leg 20and/or shoe 24, a load lift (tension) test may be performed to ensurethat the toggle anchor 30 and cable or rod 40 satisfy engineering,regulatory, and/or other requirements to provide an earth-anchoringfoundation for the modular unit 10. In one embodiment, a single (ormultiple) portable load test device 60 may be provided that may be usedto test each anchor 30 and cable or rod 40 during installation.Alternatively, each extension leg 20 and/or shoe 24 may include anintegral load test device (not shown), e.g., temporarily or permanentlymounted to each extension leg 20. As shown in FIG. 10B, the load testdevice 60 includes a housing 62 shaped to be positioned around and/orotherwise adjacent the extension support leg 20 on the shoe plate 25including one or more handles 62 a, e.g., to facilitate carrying and/orposition the device 60 such that the device 60 may be coupled to thecable or rod 40 to automatically test the anchor 30 and cable or rod 40.The load test device 60 may include a motorized actuator, e.g., leadscrew 64 carrying a hook 64 a or other element that may receive a loop43 of the cable or rod 40 thereon, e.g., to pull upwardly on the cableor rod 40 to apply tension to the anchor 30 deployed below the extensionleg 20 as the hook 64 a is directed upwardly along the lead screw 64.

In addition, the load test device 60 may include a controller, e.g.,including one or more processors and/or memory (not shown), a userinterface 66, and, optionally, a communication interface 68. Forexample, the load test device 60 may include an input device 66 a, e.g.,including one or more buttons, knobs, keypad, and the like, allowing auser to activate the device 60 and/or control operation of the leadscrew 64, e.g., to set a force applied to the cable or rod 40. Inaddition, the device 60 may include an output device 66 b, e.g., adisplay that may present information to the user. In one embodiment, theuser interface 60 may include a touchscreen (not shown) that may allow auser to present one or more menus and/or graphical interface that allowsthe user select information, set parameters, and/or otherwise controloperation of the device 60. The optional communication interface 68 mayinclude a data port, e.g., such that the user may couple an externalelectronic device, e.g., portable computer, tablet, phone, flash drive,etc., to the device 60, e.g., to receive data and/or control operationof the device 60. In addition or alternatively, the communicationinterface 68 may include a wireless communications device, e.g.,transmitter and/or receiver for transmitting data to and/or receivinginstructions from a remote location, e.g., via a local wireless network,a telecommunications network, and the like. In another option, thedevice 60 may include clock and/or GPS device (not shown) such that thecontroller may associate a time stamp, GPS coordinates, and/or otherinformation with test results obtained using the device 60, as describedelsewhere herein.

During use, the load test device 60 may be placed on the shoe plate 25and mechanically coupled to the cable and/or rod 40 extending fromground, e.g., by placing a loop 43 around the hook 64 a and activated,e.g., by pressing a button or other actuator 66 a, such that themotorized mechanism 64 automatically applies a predetermined tension tothe anchor 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller and motorizedmechanism may apply a present tension to the anchor 30 and cable or rod40, e.g., 1.5 times the design load for the modular unit 10 supported bythe extension leg 20. Thus, the load test device 60 may automaticallyconfirm under real-time soil conditions that the anchor 30 with rodand/or cable 40 satisfies the applicable code and/or other requirementsfor the modular unit 10 for securing the modular unit to the ground 92.The resulting load data, optionally along with other information, e.g.,a time stamp, GPS coordinates, operator identifier, and the like may bestored in memory of the device 60 and/or communicated externally, e.g.,to a device coupled to the data port 68 and/or transmitted wirelessly.

Upon completion of the test, the hook 64 a may automatically return toits lower position to remove the tension load, and the loop 43 may beremoved from the hook 64 a. The cable or rod 40 may then be secured tothe extension leg 20 and/or shoe 24, e.g., using a fastener (not shown)advanced over the cable or rod 40 against the shoe plate 25 over thehole 25 a and/or securing the loop 43 over a pin (also not shown) on theextension leg 20, as described elsewhere herein.

In an alternative embodiment, a manual load test device (not shown) maybe provided. For example, the load device may include a tripod or otherbase to which a come-along hoist or other actuator is mounted. The usermay couple the cable or rod 40 to the actuator, and manually apply thetension. The load test device may include a device that measures thetension and provides an output to the user, e.g., a mechanical orelectronic scale.

This method may be repeated for each base plate (shoe plate) 20, therebysecuring the modular platform 10 relative to the ground 92 using theanchors 30. Optionally, as the anchor foundations 30 are utilized tosecure the platform 10 to the ground 92, each anchor 30 may be tensionedindependently to set the binding/toggle mechanism and obtain atensioning value that may be recorded by the installer. This tensioningevent may occur in real time soil conditions, and the data for each maybe captured in a non-destructive manner while seating the anchors 30using an appropriate tension to specified load conditions in real timesoil conditions. This data may be made available to personnel in virtualreal time through up loading of data to the “cloud” or other WAN/LANbased application in order to have a record of the anchor tensioningvalue at each anchor location, as described elsewhere herein.

For example, the load test device may include a communicationsinterface, e.g., a Wi-Fi (e.g., Bluetooth) or telecommunicationsinterface that may communicate the results of the test, e.g., to anoperator device at the installation site, or remotely, e.g., to astorage or relay device. In one embodiment, the load test device mayautomatically associate other data with the test results, e.g., suchthat test results may be uniquely associated with a particular modularunit and/or particular leg of a modular unit. Such data may include oneor more of GPS coordinates of the modular unit and/or leg, e.g., usingan internal GPS in the load test device, a time stamp identifying thetime and date of the test, an identifier corresponding to the operatorand/or installer present during the test, and the like. Alternatively,the operator may input the results and/or other data into a portabledevice after each test, which may be stored and/or communicated to aremote location.

Turning to FIG. 14 , the platform 10 may be assembled at an installationsite or may be assembled in advance, e.g., at a manufacturing facilityor other preparation location before delivery to the installation site.For example, in one embodiment, all of the components of the frame 12and rack 14 may be delivered unassembled and assembled usingconventional tools and methods. For example, turning to FIGS. 15A-15C,the struts 12 a-12 c and legs 20 for the frame 10 may be manufacturedseparately and assembled together, e.g., using one or more fastenersand/or clinching, as described elsewhere herein. For example, brackets13 may be attached to the ends of mid-struts 12 c, e.g., by a pluralityof nuts and bolts (FIG. 15B), and the brackets 13 may then be attachedto the front and rear struts 12 a, 12 b, e.g., using a plurality of nutsand bolts (FIG. 15C). Similarly, the mounting brackets 22 of the legs 20may be attached to the front and rear struts 12 a, 12 b, e.g., using aplurality of nuts and bolts (FIG. 15C). In the exemplary embodimentshown in FIGS. 14 and 15A-15C, a leg 20 may be provided at the ends andmidpoints of the front and rear struts 12 a, 12 b. It will beappreciated that the legs at the midpoints may be omitted or additionalintermediate legs provided, as desired.

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 15D and 15E, cross-braces 15 may beattached between the mid struts 12 c and legs 20 to further support thelegs 20 relative to the frame 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 15E, aplurality of bolts, may be directed through corresponding holes in themid struts 12 c and the outer member 26 a of the legs 20 and securedwith nuts to support the legs 20 substantially perpendicular relative tothe frame 12.

Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 15F-15J, the components of the rack 14 mayalso be delivered unassembled and assembled using conventional tools andmethods. For example, turning to FIGS. 15F-15I, the supports 14 b andback braces 16 of the rack 14 may be attached to the assembled frame 12,e.g., using one or more fasteners and/or clinching. For example,opposite ends of the back braces 16 may include brackets 16 a, 16 b thatmay be pivotally coupled to one end of the supports 14 b (FIG. 15G) andthe mid struts 12 c (FIG. 15H), respectively, and the other end of thesupports 14 b may be attached to mounting brackets 17 attached to thefront strut 12 a (FIG. 15I), to secure the supports 14 b relative to theframe 12.

As shown in FIG. 15J, the rails 14 a may then be attached to thesupports 14 b, e.g., using one or more nuts and bolts (or otherfasteners and/or clinching, as described elsewhere herein), e.g., suchthat the rails 14 a extend the supports 14 b substantially parallel tothe front strut 12 a of the frame 12, e.g., as shown in FIG. 14 . Withthe platform 10 assembled, one or more anchors (not shown) may be driveninto the ground at the installation site and the exposed cables may beattached to the platform 10, e.g., to the legs 20, as describedelsewhere herein, to secure the platform 10 relative to the ground atthe installation site.

One or more solar panels 90 may then be attached to the rails 14 a,e.g., using one or more clips, fasteners, or other mechanisms, asdescribed elsewhere herein, e.g., as shown in FIG. 10 . Alternatively,other racks may be mounted to the frame 12, e.g., a pivotable rack 114such as that shown in FIGS. 11A-11E, to which a plurality of solarpanels 90 may be mounted. In this alternative, the rack 114 may bepivotable around a horizontal axis 115 to adjust the incline of thesolar panels 90, e.g., to set the incline angle based on the location ofthe sun relative to the installation site and/or to allow the inclineangle to be changed using a motorized actuator that automatically adjustthe incline angle based on the time of day and/or other parameters, asdescribed elsewhere herein. In a further alternative, other rack systemsmay be mounted to the frame 12, e.g., having single axis or multipleaxis pivoting capabilities, such as the rack shown in FIG. 11F.

Alternatively, the frame 12 and rack 14 (or any of the other racksdescribed herein) may be preassembled with one or more solar panels, andthe final assembly delivered to the installation site. Thus, in thisalternative, a plurality of independent modular units may be deliveredto an installation site, which may be secured using one or more toggleanchors with rods and/or cables as an earth-anchoring foundation.Optionally, in this alternative, the frame 12 may include legs 20 thatare movable between storage and extended positions, as describedelsewhere herein. For example, FIG. 13A shows an exemplary embodiment ofa platform 110 carrying one or more solar panels 90. As describedpreviously, the platform 110 includes a frame 112 including a pluralityof legs 120 that are movable between the storage position shown fordelivery to an installation site, e.g., nested together with otherplatforms, as shown in FIGS. 13B-13D.

Once the platforms are delivered to the installation site, the legs 120may be directed to the extended position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12A),anchors may be driven into desired locations, and cables from theanchors attached to the legs, as described elsewhere herein. Althougheach modular unit may be secured independently using its own set of oneor more toggle anchors with rods and/or cables, the modular units may beadjusted as necessary to ensure that the solar panels mounted to themodular units are flush or otherwise oriented relative to one another toensure efficient operation of the solar panels. For example, theextension legs 120 and/or frames may provide sufficient adjustabilityeven in uneven terrain to ensure that the solar panels are properlyoriented relative to one another.

Optionally, each modular platform 10 may include a powered controlmechanism (not shown) which may be enclosed in the rear extension legused as a support frame for adjusting the solar module frame 12 and/orrack 14, e.g., to adjust the angle of the plane of the solar panels. Forexample, the mechanism may include a user interface that a user in thefield may use to manually activate a motorized actuator coupled to therack 14 to adjust the angle of the panels mounted to the rack 14.Alternatively, the control mechanism may include a communicationsinterface that may receive instructions remotely, whereupon themotorized actuator may be adjust the angle of the solar panels asdesired, e.g., based on time of year, time of day, and/or other factors.

Turning to FIGS. 16A and 16B, another example of a modular,multi-configurable solar power platform 210 is shown that includes aframe 212, support struts 214, and a plurality of solar panels 50,generally similar to other embodiments herein. Unlike previousembodiments, the frame 212 includes a plurality of leg subassemblies 216with each subassembly 216 include a front leg 218, a back leg 220, and across member 222 extending between them. As best seen in FIG. 16B, eachleg 218, 220 includes an upper end 218 a, 220 a coupled to opposite ends222 a, 222 b, of the cross member 222 and a lower end 218 b, 220 bcoupled to a shoe or base plate 225.

For example, each leg 218, 222 may include a foot 224 integrally formedin, e.g., by bending the leg shaft, or attached to the lower end 218 b,220 b to which the shoe plate 225 may be attached.

The legs 218, 220 may be fixedly attached to the cross member 222 or oneor both legs 218, 220 may include a hinge coupling the upper ends 218 a,220 b to the ends 222 a, 222 b of the cross member. In one embodiment,one or both legs 218, 220 may include an adjustment member 218 c, 220 c,which may be used to adjust the lengths of the legs 218, 220, e.g., toadjust an overall height for the leg subassembly 216 and/or angle of thecross member 222. For example, the legs 218, 220 may include a manualadjustment member 218 c, 220 c, e.g., a telescoping structure similar toother embodiments herein, that may be adjusted manually using tools orautomatically adjusted using a motorized actuator (not shown).

During installation, a plurality of leg subassemblies 216 may beprovided for each modular unit 210, e.g., two, three (as shown), four,or more, as desired based on the size and/or number of solar panelsbeing mounted to the modular unit 210. The leg assemblies 216 may bespaced apart and oriented with the feet 224 against the ground (notshown), and then struts 214 may be attached to the leg assemblies 216,e.g., extending horizontally between the leg assemblies 216 as best seenin FIG. 16A. Optionally, additional structural supports may be added,e.g., one or more cables 230 attached to and/or extending between theleg subassemblies 216. For example, a cable may be attached to the backlegs 220 or adjacent leg subassemblies 216, e.g., extending horizontallyor diagonally between the leg subassemblies 216 to provide additionaltensile and/or compressive support.

One or more toggle anchors 30 with cables and/or rods 40 may be insertedinto the ground adjacent each leg 218, 220, tested, and coupled torespective shoe plates 225 and/or legs 218, 220, thereby providing anearth-anchoring foundation for the modular unit 210, similar to otherembodiments herein. One or more solar panels 50 may be mounted to thestruts 214 and, optionally, one or more solar inverters, energy storagesystems, and/or components may be mounted to the modular unit 210, alsosimilar to other embodiments herein. Alternatively, the modular unit 210may be preassembled and delivered to an installation site (optionallywith solar panels and/or components already mounted to the modular unit210), the legs 218, 220 may be adjusted as desired, and anchors 30 withcables and/or rods 40 installed to secure the modular unit 210 at theinstallation site.

In accordance with each of the embodiments herein, once the modularunits and solar panels and associated energy storage components areinstalled at an installation site, they may then be used to generateelectricity, e.g., for use and/or energy storage at the installationsite, similar to conventional solar panel systems. However, at anydesired time, the cables and/or rods may be disconnected from thesupport legs (e.g., by removing the fasteners 42 and/or simply cuttingthe cables and/or rods), thereby allowing the modular units to be storedand/or transported for future use. For example, the legs 120 may bereturned to the storage position, the modular units loaded onto a truck(e.g., as shown in FIGS. 13B-13D), whereupon the modular units may betransported to another location. Thus, the only material that may remainat the installation site are the anchors and cables within the ground,thereby minimizing the environmental impact of the platforms.Alternatively, sufficient tension may be applied to each of the rodsand/or cables, e.g., equivalent to testing beyond load capacity, to pullthe entire toggle anchor and associated subterranean rod and/or cableout of the ground, thereby leaving no material at the site after thepanels are removed.

Turning to FIGS. 17A and 17B, another example of a solar panel powerplatform system 10 is shown that includes a support frame 12 including aplurality of support legs 20 extending from the frame 12, e.g., forsupporting the frame 12 above the ground at an installation site. Forexample, as shown, each support leg 20 may include a shoe plate 24 thatmay be connected to an earth anchor (not shown) inserted into the groundat the installation site, e.g., similar to other platforms and systemsdescribed elsewhere herein.

A rack 14 is mounted to the frame 12 to which one or more panels 90 maybe mounted, e.g., a plurality of bifacial panels 90 that includepiezoelectric elements on both upper surfaces 90 a and lower surface 90b of the panels 90. Similar to other platforms and systems describedelsewhere herein, the rack 14 may be adjustable either manually orautomatically to set an angle of the solar panels 90 mounted on the rack14.

For example, turning to FIGS. 19A-19C, a seasonal tilt mechanism 80 isshown that is coupled to a support frame 12 and rack 14 supporting aplurality of solar panels 90, which may be constructed similar to otherexamples described elsewhere herein. As shown, the tilt mechanism 80includes a plurality of scissor jacks 82 spaced apart from one another,e.g., mounted on respective horizontal struts 12 c of the frame 12 andcoupled to a strut 14 c of the rack 14. It will be appreciated that thejacks 82 may be mounted to other horizontal struts of either the frame12 and/or the rack 14.

Each jack 82 may include a pair of foldable arms 82 a extending betweena base or lower mount 82 b, which may be secured to frame strut 14 a,and an upper mount 82 c, which may be secured to rack strut 14 c, e.g.,using one or more connections, e.g., bolts, screws, or other fasteners,welding, crimping, and the like, similar to other methods describedherein. Unlike conventional scissor jacks, the jacks 82 are connectedtogether by a common shaft 84, e.g., received through spindles 84 d ineach of the arms 82 a of the jacks 82, as best seen in FIG. 19C.

The entire shaft 84 may be threaded or at least portions passing throughthe spindles 84 d may be threaded, e.g., such that the shaft 84 andspindles 84 d include cooperating threads allowing the shaft 84 torotate and cause the arms 82 a to fold or unfold. Consequently, as theshaft 84 is rotated in a first direction, the arms 82 a maysimultaneously unfold or expand to raise the upper mount 82 c and,consequently, raise the rack strut 14 c and rack 14 to reduce the tiltangle, e.g., as shown in FIG. 19B. Conversely, as the shaft 84 isrotated in a second opposite direction, the arms 82 a may simultaneouslyfold or collapse to lower the upper mount 82 c and, consequently lowerthe rack strut 14 c and rack 14 and increase the tilt angle.

A manual or motorized actuator (not shown) may be coupled to one end ofthe shaft 84, e.g., such that a user can manually increase or decreasethe tilt angle, e.g., depending upon the time of year. Alternatively, amotorized actuator may be controlled by a controller, e.g., mounted tothe frame 12 or elsewhere relative the system 10, that may include aclock and/or other components that adjust the tilt angle automatically,e.g., based on the time of year. In a further alternative, a wirelesscommunications interface may be provided that is coupled to thecontroller and/or actuator that may receive remote communications, e.g.,commands from an operator to adjust the tilt angle from a remotelocation.

Alternatively, the tilt mechanism may be mounted to raise and/or lowerthe upper end of the rack 14 and/or tilt mechanisms may be mounted toboth the lower and upper ends of the rack 14, if desired to provideadditional adjustment, with each tilt mechanism including a plurality ofscissor jacks that may be operated manually or remotely, as desired.

Returning to FIGS. 17A and 17B, in addition or alternatively, thesupport legs 20 may be adjustable to adjust a height of the frame 12above the ground. For example, the height of the support legs 20 may beset at the time of installation of the system 10, e.g., to mount theframe 12 substantially horizontally even if the ground is uneven.Optionally, actuators (not shown) may be coupled to one or more of thesupport legs 20 to adjust the length of the support legs 20 duringoperation, e.g., to adjust the height and/or angle of the frame 12. Inaddition or alternatively, one or more actuators (not shown) may becoupled to the rack 14 to adjust an angle of and/or otherwise manipulatethe rack 14 during operation, e.g., to move the solar panels 90 tomaximize exposure to sunlight.

As shown, the system 10 also includes a reflective membrane 40 attachedto one or both of the frame 14 and the support legs 20 such that themembrane is supported below the rack 14 for reflecting sunlight to thelower surfaces 90 b of the solar panels 90 mounted on the rack 14. Forexample, as represented by ray 92, incident light from the sun maystrike an upper surface 40 a of the membrane 40 and be reflected to thelower surfaces 90 b of the solar panels 90.

In one example, each corner 42 of the membrane 40 may be secured to oneof the support legs 20, e.g., in each of the corners of the frame 12,thereby suspending the membrane 20 under the rack 14. The membrane 40may have a size and/or shape such that the membrane 40 is taught whenconnected to the support legs 20, thereby minimizing vibration and/orother undesired motion once installed. For example, a hole may beprovided in each corner and a connector, e.g., including one or moreclips, cables, and the like (not shown) may be received in the hole andin a corresponding hole or connector (not shown) in the correspondingsupport leg 20, e.g., to allow the corner to be connected to the supportleg 20 and removed, if desired. Optionally, the connector may beadjustable to set the tension of the membrane 40.

The locations of the holes or other connectors on the support legs 20may be located at a predetermined location on the support legs 20 or,alternatively, a plurality of holes/connectors may be provided spacedapart from one another along a length of the support legs 20, ifdesired, such that the corners 42 may be connected to any one of theholes/connectors to set the height of the membrane 40, e.g., relative tothe rack 14 and, consequently, relative to the lower surfaces 90 b ofthe solar panels 90. Thus, the distance between the upper surface 40 aof the membrane 40 and the lower surfaces 90 b of the solar panels 90may be set, e.g., to set a predefined distance that maximizes reflectionof incident light reflected by the membrane 40 onto the lower surfaces90 b of the solar panels.

Thus, the membrane 40 may be mounted above the surface of the ground atan installation site, e.g., hovering over grass, shrubs, groundmaterials, and/or soil conditions at the installation site, andproviding a uniform reflective surface, which may enhance performance ofbifacial solar panels. Without the membrane, the lower surfaces 90 bwill only receive reflected light from the ground, which may includevegetation and/or irregular surfaces that are not sufficientlyreflective to direct light to the lower surfaces 90 b. Consequently, themembrane 40 may increase the efficiency of bifacial solar panels, e.g.,by as much as twenty percent (20%) and/or provide up to 9 kWh productioncapability.

Turning to FIG. 18 , another example of a support frame 12 is shown fora solar panel power platform system that includes a plurality of supportlegs 20 extending from the frame 12, e.g., for supporting the frame 12above the ground at an installation site. As shown, each support leg 20includes a shoe plate 24, which may be connected to an earth anchor (notshown) inserted into the ground at the installation site, e.g., similarto other platforms and systems described elsewhere herein. The frame 12may be configured to receive a rack (not shown) and/or other structurefor mounting one or more panels (also not shown), similar to otherexamples herein.

Unlike the previous examples, a plurality of weights or rings 70 areprovided that may be stacked onto one or more of the support legs 20 toprovide a ballasted solution to stabilize and/or support the frame 12 atthe installation site, e.g., using the weights to create a ballastedeffect. For example, at some installation sites, earth anchors and/orother structures introduced into the ground must be limited to arelatively shallow depth. For example, capped landfill sites may includea nonpenetrable membrane (not shown) at a set depth below the surface,e.g., at about thirty six inches (80 cm) or less below the surface.Earth anchors introduced into the ground at such sites may need to beinstalled at shallower depths than normal, e.g., less than abouteighteen to thirty inches (45-75 cm) depth. In addition, landfillsand/or remedial sites may limit weight of vehicles passing over theunderlying soil and/or structures or materials that may risk applyingexcessive localized weight that may damage the underlying soil and/or acapped membrane beneath the surface.

To enhance structural integrity of the installation under suchcircumstances, a plurality of weighted rings 70 may be placed around oneor more of the support legs 20. For example, as shown, a plurality ofrings 70 may be stacked around each support leg 20, e.g., onto therespective shoe plate 24, after installing and connecting earth anchors(not shown) to provide additional support.

In the example shown in FIG. 18 , the frame 12 includes six support legs20, each of which has three rings 70 stacked onto their shoe plates 24.Distributing the weight of the frame (and rack and solar panels) oversix support legs 20 and plates 24 may mitigate risk to the underlyingsoil, particularly for landfill or other remediation sites. Thus, thesame weight of rings 70 may be placed on each of the support legs 20 andplates 24 to evenly distribute the weight of the frame 12 and itssupport system. A ballasted installation with distributed weights mayalso enhance support of the installed system during a wind event and thelike.

In one example, each ring 70 may have a cylindrical shape including flatupper and lower surfaces, which may facilitate stacking multiple ringsonto a shoe plate. The rings may have a donut shape, e.g., includingrounded side surfaces or may have substantially uniform cylindrical sidesurfaces, as desired. The rings 70 may be solid or may include an outerskin, e.g., formed from plastic, metal, and the like, which may befilled with material providing desired weight, e.g., filled with one ormore of rocks, sand, cement, sludge, and the like (brought to theinstallation site or filled with existing materials) to provide desiredheavy content for the rings. The rings may have an inner diameter largerthan the support legs to allow the rings to be placed over or around thesupport legs and. In an example, each ring may have an outer diameteraround twenty inches (50 cm) and a height of about eight inches (20 cm).

In addition or alternatively, one or more weights may be provided thatmay be secured relative to the frame. For example, one or more lateralmembers, e.g., cable and/or rigid struts, may include opposite endssecured to different support legs, and one or more weights may besecured to the lateral member(s) to provide a ballasted solution. Forexample, a plurality of weighted rings, similar to rings 70, or otherweights may be positioned around each of the lateral members such thatthe weights may be suspended from the frame above the surface of theground, thereby stabilizing and/or supporting the frame. Optionally,such weighted ballast elements may also be used without earth anchors toprovide a stable installation of the frame without having to insertanything into the ground.

Further, in describing representative embodiments, the specification mayhave presented the method and/or process as a particular sequence ofsteps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not relyon the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or processshould not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. Asone of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences ofsteps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps setforth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on theclaims.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications, andalternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in thedrawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular formsor methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope ofthe appended claims.

1-99. (canceled)
 100. A system for mounting one or more solar panelsrelative to ground at an installation site, comprising: a frame; aplurality of support legs extending from the frame for supporting theframe above the ground; a rack on the frame for mounting one or moresolar panels to the frame; and a reflective membrane attached to one orboth of the frame and the support legs such that the membrane issupported below the rack for reflecting sunlight to an underside of theone or more solar panels mounted to the rack.
 101. The system of claim100, wherein the support legs comprise support legs in each corner ofthe frame, and wherein the reflective membrane is secured to each of thesupport legs such that the membrane is suspended under the rack betweenthe corners.
 102. The system of claim 100, wherein the reflectivemembrane comprises a white upper surface.
 103. The system of claim 100,further comprising an earth anchor connectable to one of the frame andone of the support legs, the earth anchor configured for insertion intothe ground to secure the frame at the installation site.
 104. The systemof claim 103, further comprising one or more weights configured to beinstalled around one or more of the support legs to provide a ballastedsolution.
 105. The system of claim 104, wherein the one or more weightscomprise a plurality of weighted rings that may be stacked on each ofthe support legs.
 106. A solar panel power platform system, comprising:a support frame comprising a plurality of support legs extending fromthe frame for supporting the frame above the ground and a rack; one ormore solar panels mounted on the rack; and a reflective membraneattached to one or both of the frame and the support legs such that themembrane is supported below the rack for reflecting sunlight to anunderside of the one or more solar panels mounted to the rack.
 107. Thesystem of claim 106, wherein the support legs comprise support legs ineach corner of the frame, and wherein the reflective membrane is securedto each of the support legs such that the membrane is suspended underthe rack between the corners.
 108. The system of claim 106, wherein thereflective membrane comprises a white upper surface.
 109. The system ofclaim 106, wherein the one or more solar panels comprise bifacial solarpanels.
 110. The system of claim 106, further comprising an earth anchorconnectable to one of the frame and one of the support legs, the earthanchor configured for insertion into the ground to secure the frame atthe installation site.
 111. The system of claim 110, further comprisingone or more weights configured to be installed around one or more of thesupport legs to provide a ballasted solution.
 112. The system of claim111, wherein the one or more weights comprise a plurality of weightedrings that may be stacked on each of the support legs.
 113. A solarpanel power platform system, comprising: a support frame comprising aplurality of support legs extending from the frame for supporting theframe above the ground and a rack; one or more solar panels mounted onthe rack; and a plurality of weights secured to the frame to provide aballasted solution to stabilize the frame relative to the ground. 114.The system of claim 113, wherein the weights are configured to beinstalled around one or more of the support legs.
 115. The system ofclaim 114, wherein the weights comprise a plurality of weighted ringsthat may be stacked on each of the support legs.
 116. The system ofclaim 113, wherein the frame comprises one or more lateral membersextending between the support legs, and wherein the weights aresecurable to the one or more lateral members.
 117. The system of claim116, wherein the weights comprise a plurality of weighted rings that maybe secured around each lateral member.
 118. The system of claim 116,wherein the one or more lateral members comprise one of a cable and astrut including opposite ends secured to different support legs.
 119. Asolar panel power platform system, comprising: a support framecomprising a plurality of support legs extending from the frame forsupporting the frame above the ground and a rack; one or more solarpanels mounted on the rack; and a tilt mechanism coupled to the rack toadjust a tile angle of the one or more solar panels. 120-121. (canceled)